The six-part British crime drama series Joan premieres in the US tonight on The CW. The show centers on Joan Hannington, a notorious British criminal of the 1980s who was often referred to as “The Godmother.” In the series, Sophie Turner stars as Joan – a complex, ambitious woman who rises from a struggling single mother to become one of Britain’s most notorious jewel thieves. Set in the gritty and glamorous world of 1980s London, the series follows Joan’s rise in the underworld as she grapples with her dual roles as a loving mother and a cunning criminal mastermind.
In the pilot, we see Joan at a crossroads: On the one hand, she’s dealing with a toxic relationship and the stress of motherhood, but on the other, she’s drawn to the thrilling allure of crime. The first episode wastes no time in setting up the stakes, allowing viewers to feel Joan’s desperation, as well as her tenacity and resourcefulness. Sophie Turner shines here, her powerful and nuanced performance setting the stage for the entire show. The character is written with a lot of depth and a combination of vulnerability and ruthlessness that makes her interesting.
“Pilot” – Joan. Pictured: Sophie Turner as Joan and Mia Millicamp-Long as Kelly. Photo: ITV © 2024 Snowed-In Productions. all rights reserved.
The pilot also introduces some supporting characters who may play important roles in Joan’s rise. These include shady figures from London’s underworld, whose initial interactions with Joan are fraught with tension and distrust. The episode hints that these relationships will become more complicated as Joan becomes increasingly drawn into their world. It’s clear that trust and betrayal will be recurring themes in Joan’s new life.
“Pilot” – Joan. Pictured: Sophie Turner as Joan and Alex Black as Bernard. Photo: ITV © 2024 Snowed-In Productions. all rights reserved.
One of the more subtle aspects of this episode is how it explores gender dynamics. Joan lives in a male-dominated criminal world, and the way she navigates these power structures—sometimes using her femininity as a weapon, sometimes battling the arrogance of her male counterparts—adds an interesting layer to the story. This is not just a crime drama; It’s also a comment on the restrictions and expectations placed on women, especially in the 1980s.
“Pilot” – Joan. Pictured: Sophie Turner as Joan. Photo: ITV © 2024 Snowed-In Productions. all rights reserved.
If you like character twists, 1980s nostalgia, or complex female protagonists, Joan may be one to keep an eye on! Joan viewers, it’s your turn! What are your thoughts on pilots? Do you think Joan is a relatable character? Was her life of crime just a means to an end, or do you think she was attracted to the excitement and danger of it all? We want to know what you think! Please share below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
